So here goes another attempt at bringing my life up to speed, although I might change lanes and shift gears occasionally.....
- Jonathon and I had a wonderful trip to Savannah a few weekends ago. To those who covered us with prayer, we thank you. I picked Jonathon up on Friday morning and we drove from Athens to Savannah, something I'd never done. If you, too, have never made that trip, let me just say that it is a lovely drive! With our trusty GPS programmed for our destination, we took off into the wild blue yonder, and "yonder" is a perfect word for some of the small towns we travelled through. We drove over half the trip on back roads to get to I-16, but like many back roads, we were often the only car on the road for miles, something that is a bit of a rarity around metro Atlanta. We arrived in time Friday afternoon to get settled at my daughter from another mother's apartment and meet her for dinner. On Saturday, the three of us went to the wedding which was held in one of Savannah's historic squares, and then Jonathon celebrated with friend's at the reception while my daughter and I relaxed at a venue overlooking the Savannah River. When the reception ended, Jonathon met us for dinner and the three of us wandered along River Street, enjoying the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of OctoberFest in Savannah.
- Jonathon's return to school brought several changes to our lives. He is now living in an apartment style dorm which offers him a greater level of independence and quieter study environment. It is on campus so he still has access to campus transportation, but it is also so close to the building where all of his classes are held that he often walks to class. He didn't know his roommate prior to move-in, but has been very fortunate in being assigned one with whom he gets along really well. His roommate has been really helpful in including Jonathon on trips to the grocery store and inviting him along for workout sessions and trips to the dining hall. Without prompting from us, Jonathon has begun some strength exercises to build up his arm and shoulder strength, particularly on the left side. His roommate has been really supportive and encouraging; we feel really blessed.
- As he has transitioned to his new intended major, Jonathon has been faced with several challenges, many stemming from the fact that the Recreation and Leisure Studies program involves a great deal of physical activity in the form of games and exercises. Initially, he was a little hesitant to participate, creating a bit of a gap between the other students and him. One day he seemed to turn the corner when he called me and said, "Mom, I've got some exciting news! I broke into a sprint today in class!" It seems that the class was doing some activities that involved running into and out of a jumprope, and he actually did it! He said he just challenged himself to see if he could do it and was pretty pumped that he actually could! I think the secret with Jonathon is in believing that he can succeed. When he convinces himself that he can't do something, he's almost always right but when he truly believes that he can, he experiences at least some level of success. Isn't that true about each of us, though?
- Since Jonathon's return to school, I have begun working full-time again. The transition from part-time to full-time has been an adjustment for each of us. It seems strange to me to be on a regular schedule again after more than four years of flexibility. I've spent so much of the past few years working my schedule around Jonathon's that it is hard to believe that I no longer need to do that. Of course, when I accepted my position, I wanted it understood that my family would always come first. Each of my children and my husband are so precious to me that no job in the world is worth sacrificing one moment of time with any of them.
So I guess that's enough catching up for now. I'm sure I've omitted things, but the most important thing for me to remember is that no matter how often I slip up or how many times I disappoint myself, God is always there to pick me up when I slip up and love me in spite of my disappointments.
"Yes, the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion,
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him."
Isaiah 30:18
